But no 'Left 4 Dead 2'

Valve's popular video game distribution and social platform, Steam, finally arrived on Linux with a closed beta on Tuesday.

Steam is a well-loved hub where PC gamers can peruse and purchase games, often at significant discounts, and engage with one another socially by playing games and chatting.

Valve initially promised only a bare-bones version of Steam for Linux, but the platform launched on Tuesday with around two dozen games and bells and whistles that include the "Big Picture" mode that makes it easier to game on large displays like televisions.

Notable games available Tuesday on Steam for Linux included Team Fortress 2, Amnesia: The Dark Descent, Superbrothers: Sword and Sworcery EP, and Serious Sam 3: BFE.

Curiously absent was Left 4 Dead 2, the game many expected to see on Linux after Valve talked it up in July.